POS1505-HPR FEASIBILITY OF AN ONLINE “FATIGUE AND ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN WORK” (FAME-W) INTERVENTION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS
Authors: S. Karkon, M. Doran, F. B. O’shea, A. O’ Gorman, H. Mccormack, D. Connolly
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background A FA tigue M anagement E ducation in W ork (FAME-W) programme was developed for individuals with inflammatory arthritis to manage fatigue in work (McCormack et al, 2018). Objectives This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of an online format of FAME-W for a future definitive intervention trial. Methods This was a mixed methods study. Participants were randomly allocated to intervention (IG) or control group (CG). The IG received a four-week online FAME-W. The CG received a FAME-W handbook. Participants were required to complete questionnaires on work presenteeism, fatigue, mood, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and pain at baseline (T0), and two weeks following intervention (T1). They also attended a focus group and individual interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics Results Seven of ten individuals recruited participated in the study (intervention = 3, control =4). The majority of participants in both groups had Rheumatoid Arthritis and were working full-time in non-manual jobs. The mean age of intervention participants was 53 ± 10.4 and 56.5 ± 3.7 for the controls. Most of the intervention group were males and the majority of controls were female. Disease activity at baseline was similar for both groups: 3.33 ±2.5 intervention; 3.0 ± 1.8 control. At follow-up, disease activity did not change for intervention group (3.3 ±.57) and reduced slightly for CG (2.7 ±2.4). Slight improvements were noted for both groups in presenteeism and fatigue between T0 and T1 (Table 1). There was no change in anxiety levels of the intervention group, with improvements noted for controls. Greater improvements were noted for the intervention group for depression and HRQOL. Pain measures showed increased pain for controls at T1 in comparison to the intervention group. Table 1. Measure Intervention (n=3) Median (min-max) Control (n=4) Median (min-max) T0 T1 T0 T 1 Work Role Function 84.1 (81.9-92.1) 85.7 (83.4-97.2) 84.8 (63.7-93.9) 84.9(72.9-94.5) Fatigue 13.0 (8.0-14.0) 10.0 (10.0-14.0) 14.0 (12.0-17.0) 12.5 (12.0-17.0) HADS Anxiety 5.0 (3.0-6.0) 5.0 (3.0-6.0) 10.0 (7.0-14.0) 8.0 (6.0-12.0) HADS Depression 5.0 (3.0-5.0) 3.0 (2.0-4.00) 5.0 (3.0-11.0) 6.0 (3.0-9.0) HRQOL 68.0 (47.0-90.0) 75.0 (65.0-90.0) 70.00 (50.00-95.00) 66.5 (50.0-95.0) Pain Level 4.0 (100-5.0) 2.0 (2.0-4.0) 1.5 (1.0-4.0) 4.5 (200-10.0) Pain Intensity 1.0 (1.0-2.0) 1.0 (1.0-2.0) 0.5 (0.0-1.0) 1.5 (0.0-2.0) Those allocated to FAME-W attended all four sessions. FAME-W participants reported that the programme content was comprehensive and relevant. They stated that the occupational therapist facilitator was able to “ see things from a different perspective for managing symptoms ”. Participants also reported a better understanding of fatigue: “ It helped me understand my fatigue. If you understand it you can manage it better ”. The online delivery format was favored over attending a centre-based programme. Control participants reported the handbook content as “ informative and reassuring ”. All participants fully completed all study questionnaires and attended focus groups and interviews. Conclusion This feasibility study showed that an online programme to improve work ability was feasible and acceptable to individuals with Rheumatic Diseases. Study measures were completed in full and adherence rate was 100% for the intervention. The findings support a definitive intervention trial of FAME-W. References [1]McCormack, RC, O’Shea, F, Doran, M, Connolly, D. Impact of a fatigue management in work programme on meeting work demands of individuals with rheumatic diseases: A pilot study. Musculoskeletal Care . 2018; 16: 398– 404. [2]Braun, V., &amp; Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Disclosure of Interests None declared